A/N: I know its been months, but with work, HP:OOTP coming out in theaters and then of course DH reading. life has been full. but even though that i havent gotten that many reviews for this story, i still hope people are enjoying it. so, for those of you who have been reviewing and have read so far, enjoy the next chapter:)
P.S. Obviously, this story doesnt involve HP:DH. so there wont be any spoilers for it. but if anyone would like to email me and discuss they loved the final installment of the series, feel free. it was my favorite by far, and a joy to read. Harry kicked ass:)
Chapter Four: Learning your place
Harry stepped inside the healer tent. Neville had placed Draco on a gurney and he was trying to keep him awake.
"Malfoy, it's Longbottom. Can you hear me?"
Malfoy's answer came in a gurgle.
Neville looked up from Draco and gave a worried look to Harry, who was standing at the entryway.
Harry approached the bed.
"Neville, let me."
Harry placed his hands underneath the blonde's head, lifting him up slightly.
"Draco, I've brought someone here to see you"
Malfoy winced at being moved.
But, through the bright lights he saw the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. His mother.
She had been crying. And she ran toward her son. She gently pushed Harry out of the way and held him with all her strength.
"My boy. My son. I thought i had lost you."
Draco could only wince.
Narcissa was so very distraught. Why couldnt they stop this?
Who had done this to her child?!
"Potter, you must find out who did this!"
"We know."
"Then...well...who!?"
"It was Dawish, Mrs. Malfoy."
Narcissa wasnt surprised really. But found herself unable to hold in a gasp.
Lucius and herself had been very close with the Dawlishes siince Draco had been a baby.
She looked back to down at Draco, who seemed to be closing his eyes.
"He'll be alright."
Narcissa looked up into the bright green eyes of Harry Potter.
She nodded and stood.
"Please contact me when he wakes."
Harry nodded. She turned to leave but then stopped just before departing.
"Draco always was so jealous of you. He would never admit this, so please dont tell him you know but...well in a strange sort of way, he always admired you for doing what he couldnt."
Harry looked at her, confusion written across his brave face.
"And that is..."
"Standing up for what is right. What you believe in."
Narcissa gave Harry a smile and left.
Harry turned back to the sleeping Slytherin. Sighing he looked down at his...well...he wasnt quite sure what they were. It had been months since they'd seen one another. But he had a feeling they werent enemies...exactly.
He got up, stretched and left. Hermione was waiting outside.
"I'll look after him."
Harry smiled at her. Kissed her cheek and left for his sleeping quarters.
Hermione entered the tent not at all surprised to see Draco was sleeping. He had finally given in to what his body needed so badly...rest.
Hermione grabbed a chair and pulled it closer as to keep a watchful eye on the sleeping fugitive.
It wasnt that she never noticed, but Draco really was handsome...that is, when he wasnt scowling or smirking.
She slowly reached out a hand to wipe a stray hair from his face. He really did look like an angel...or one of those creepy kids from VIllage of the Damned. His hair was just SO blonde. She grinned a little. She couldnt believe they were here. Harry housing his so called enemy. What were they going to do once this was all over? Or better yet, when Draco finally recovered and wanted to see his mother? Would he escape? Would he stay and help?
Hermione sighed.
All they could do now was wait.
She looked at him again. He really was...beautiful.
"Are you going to keep staring or are you going to get me some water? My throat is parched." Malfoy had woken up. Well in retrospect he had only been out for about half an hour.
"Nice to see you're feeling better."
"Better is not the quite the wording I would choose Granger."
"Your mother came to see you."
"Yes, i know."
"Open your eyes, Draco."
He complied.
"They arent so cold looking now."
"What?"
"Your eyes...they arent quite so foggy, silver. They are more a bluish hue."
Draco smirked.
"Yes...well..." Draco wasnt sure how to respond so he merely closed his eyes again.
"Malfoy..."
"What, Granger?"
"I'm glad you got to see your mum. She came rushing to your side. She-she loves you. It seems. Very much so."
"Well, yeah. She is my mother."
Hermione laughed.
"What's so funny?"
"We're actually having a civil conversation."
"Yeah, about me. Anything about me is very civil, prestine."
Hermione rolled her eyes.
"As nice as this is talking to you miss know-it-all, I would like to see my mother."
"Alright."
She got up from her chair and started to walk out.
"Granger..."
"Yes...?"
"Thank you...for saving me. You could say...I'm in your debt."
"You're welcome...i think."
Hermione left the tent to fetch Harry and Mrs. Malfoy.
She retuned a few minutes later with Harry and Narcissa to find Malfoy sitting up, albeit not looking at all comfortable.
"D-draco? Are you alright?"
"Yes, mother. A little shaken up. Possibly slightly woozy. But otherwise, I'm fine."
Narcissa turned toward Hermione.
"Thank you Miss..."
"You're welcome. The name's Hermione by the way, Hermione Granger."
"Yes, i remember the Quidditch World Cup, you and Potter."
They shook hands and Mrs. Malfoy returned to her son.
"Did he say anything to you?"
Harry inquired of his girlfriend.
"No, just idle chi-chat. Nothing interesting."
Harry nodded.
"Just dont get too involved. Draco is still dangerous."
Hermione just looked at Harry. He blinked at her and then left without another word.
Narcissa left a few minutes later after giving her son a peck on the cheek.
"See you tomorrow, son."
Draco nodded his goodbye and goodnight.
"So..."
Hermione looked over at the so-called death eater and waited for him to continue.
"Does this mean i have to turn into some goody-two-shoes or something?"
"No...to be honest, just because we saved your life doesnt mean you owe us anything. It is completely up to you."
Draco looked stricken.
"My, my...times do change then dont they?"
Hermione quirked an eyebrow.
Draco chuckled.
"I mean, back when we were at school together you'd be telling me to shove off or something that i'd better be in Potter's debt, and all that."
Hermione understood.
"Yes, i suppose so. But we've all changed because of this sodding war, havent we?"
"Yes, but it stil doesnt mean i've chosen a side. I mean, i'm on MY side of course, but i have no idea what to think. I mean, granted I havent given you cause to release me. And yet, i also havent given you reason to keep me tied up either."
"I konw. But this is Harry's battalion. We are all very greatful for him. I mean, would YOU have done the things he has done?"
"Good God no! Sometimes i wonder if Potter really does have some sort of death wish. I mean, the Dark Lord is out there, right now, looking for him. And Potter is begging for him to come at him. He's ever the bloody hero."
"Harry has every right to be!"
"Why havent you said anything about Weasel?"
"I-what?"
"Weasley? Where is he? It's been a while since he's graced us with his ever so annoying presence. Not fighting are you?"
"W-no. No, we arent. Ron and i are fine. Not that' it's any of your business."
Hermione crossed her arms.
Draco grinned.
"Lover's quarrel?"
"No, Ron and i have only been the best of friends."
"Oh, so then it's the boy wonder you've set your sights on is it?"
"Malfoy, its none of your concern. You dont even know any of us!"
"Sure i do! Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer as they always say. I knew that one day you'd shag one of them. I wonder if the weasel cries in his pumpkin juice nightly because of it. Everyone knew he had it bad for you, mudblood."
"SHUT UP! Where did all this come from anywyay?"
"What do you mean?"
"Why sudden interest in my life, Malfoy? Too bored of yours? Or is because you're too scared so you have to belittle others to make yourself feel better?"
Draco rolled his eyes.
"Oh, please, cry me a bloody fucking river, Granger!"
"Why dont we just set you free anyway, maybe you'd FINALLY learn your place after Voldemort crucio's your ass!"
Draco's eyes narrowed.
"How dare you talk to me that way!"
Hermione practically pounced. She was on him faster than he could blink.
"Let us not forget who ran after killing Dumbledore..."
"I didnt..."
"It doesnt matter! You were there with Snape! To me, to Harry that is as good as killing him. Harry will always be better than you, because he believes in what he is doing. Because he is selfless, caring, and above all, forgiving. You'll never be better than him, you'll never be because you are nothing but a sodding, little, tool. I hope Voldemort finds you and when he does, i hope he puts your in your place. That way you might be something i dont think you've ever been your whole life!"
"Oh yea, and what's that, Granger!?"
"Humbled. You need to learn your place, Malfoy before someone else does it for you!"
And with that she fled.
Fled to cry in those awful memories that wound them all in this mess in the first place.